The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

Democracy Updates

Despite recent violence and significant challenges ahead, Kyrgyzstan has made progress on democratic reforms, NDI Vice Chair and former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Thomas Daschle concluded following a recent trip to that country. Daschle traveled to Kyrgyzstan on behalf of NDI Aug. 17-19 to assess the country's democratic reform efforts, provide encouragement for further reform, and promote broad political participation to aid reconciliation in the wake of that country's June violence. Daschle met with a broad range of political, governmental and civil society leaders, foreign diplomats, media representatives and international organizations.

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Partner Spotlight

In Serbia, a new website called the Istinomer, or Truth-O-Meter, rates politicians' statements based on truthfulness, consistency and whether they fulfill campaign promises or policy pledges. The team behind the Truth-O-Meter, which includes a former NDI trainer and two investigative journalists, researches and analyzes statements they find or that are submitted by the public. They publish a rating of the statement on a five point scale, along with the facts supporting their judgment.

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In-Country Perspectives

After years of working in Serbia on political party development and elections, NDI has shifted its focus to aiding those who hold elective office, a reflection of the country's increased political stability. Rebecca Shoot, a resident program officer in NDI's Belgrade office, discusses the Institute's work with parliamentarians in Serbia's National Assembly.

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